Like every other website on the planet, SmallNetBuilder uses cookies. Our cookies track login status, but we only allow admins to log in anyway, so those don't apply to you. Any other cookies you pick up during your visit come from advertisers, which we don't control. If you continue to use the site, you agree to tolerate our use of cookies. Thank you!

CES 2015

No new routers, but NETGEAR announced new Wi-Fi range extenders, a new ReadyNAS, Gigabit powerline adapters and more at CES 2015.

Wi-Fi

NETGEAR didn't introduce any new routers, but announced its R8000 Nighthawk X6 and R7500 X4 won CES Innovations awards. They also announced that the original R7000 Nighthawk will support NETGEAR's ReadyCLOUD for secure remote file access when a free firmware update rolls out later this month.

The EX7000 looks like a reconfigured R7000 with its 3x3 AC design sporting a dual-core CPU, five Gigabit Ethernet ports and USB storage sharing via its USB 3.0 port. The EX6150 is a 2x2 AC wall-pluggable design with single Gigabit Ethernet port and SMART LEDs that really help optimize placement. The "Essentials Edition" EX3700 has fewer features by design, so gets only a 10/100 Ethernet port and no SMART LEDs to go along with its AC750 class radio.

All support NETGEAR's FastLane, however, that automatically tries to maximize extended throughput by using one band for backhaul and the other for device connection. All three are shipping now at the MSRP's shown above.

NETGEAR New Wi-Fi Extenders

Powerline

HomePlug AV2 MIMO powerline adapters are finally hitting the shelves in force in 2015. So NETGEAR is joining the party with its PL1200 Powerline 1200 and PLP1200 Powerline 1200 + Extra Outlet Adapter Kits. They're specing both at 1.2 Gbps maximum throughput so they could be supporting either the 1 Gbps or 1.5 Gbps HomePlug AV2 profiles.

At any rate they're both MIMO and have a "pick-a-plug" LED to guide you to an best-performing outlet. Both should start shipping in Q1 2015 for MSRPs of $79.99 and $89.99.

NETGEAR PLP1200 & PL1200 Powerline 1200 Adapters

Switching

NETGEAR's new ProSAFE Click Switches are described as "a new category of network switches designed to improve the placement of switches in connected homes and growing businesses".

Coming in 8 (GSS108E) and 16 port (GSS116E) models, the Click Switches, uh, click into a bracket that has an AC power connection for their internal power supplies and is "designed to work thoughtfully" with straps, ties and anything else you want to use to tie down those messy ol' Ethernet cables. The 8 port version also has two front-mounted USB ports for device charging. Neither has fans and the LEDs on both can be turned off.

Both are shipping now, covered by limited lifetime warranties and have MSRPs of $69.99 for the 8 port and $169.99 for the 16.